Hangovers can feel like a nightmare – if your head isn’t pounding, you can’t stomach any food. How many mornings have you spent regretting the spirits mixed, and the shots you so willingly took from strangers? Recollecting cringeworthy memories from the night, how many brandy specials did you really have? Not only did you spend half of your savings, but you now have a headache that wont release it’s hold on you.
There are a few things you can do that will make you feel a bit better, and nothing beats some of these South African “babbelas” cures that have stood the test of time.
- The “groen ambulans”
Apart from being a tasty household favourite, there is something about an ice cold crème soda the morning after too many tequilas. South Africans swear by this one, noting that it settles nausea and gives an energy boost! Add a scoop of ice cream to go in a complete different direction, and enjoy a soda float.
- ‘n koppie Boere troos (black coffee)
We all know that a cup of coffee can fix most things, even if it’s a roaring hangover. According to Little coffee place, “You can begin to feel its effects in as little as 30 minutes. When you have a hangover, you want quick relief. And best yet, you’ll continue to feel it for up to four hours after that first sip.” n’ Koppie boeretroos is perfect for a quick fix, right before an important meeting.
- Slap tjips
Slap tjips drenched in salt and vinegar could cure the most advance hangovers, according to those who have tried it (even though it seems like a selective method). The idea is that these delicious potato snacks soak up the alcohol content in your stomach. Speaking for the beloved country, slap tjips can truly cure it all.
- Gatsby
Nothing cures a hangover like a Gatsby, this matter is not open for debate. The one of a kind dish, filled with everything from steak, slap tips, tomato and slaw. Best enjoyed with a glass of Coca-Cola, while discussing the bad decisions made the night before. A few bites in and notice a spring in your step. Suddenly, the hangover almost feels like something from the past.
- A pie from the garage
Been there, done that and had the car full of pie crumbs. There are no pies as delicious as the ones you buy at the garage, half drunk. It’s the true South African experience, after one too many brandys and cokes.
- Go to bed
Honorable mention, sleep! This is not a South African remedy, but it’s probably something you need to hear if you are hanging right now. If you are lucky enough to experience your hangover close to your bed then make full use of it. To those at work, in meetings or even on a plane, suck it up princess. Getting plenty of sleep is one of the most effective ways for the body to recover.
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